Mindfulness-based interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Carolyn C Ee, Ieman Al-Kanini, Mike J Armour, Milan K Piya, Rita McMorrow, Vibhuti S Rao, Dhevaksha Naidoo, Maria-Inti Metzendorf, Cynthia M Kroeger, Angelo Sabag
Integrative Medicine Research June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101138 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review with meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,337 |
| Population | Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Duration | End of treatment |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Integrative medicine Meta-analysis Mindfulness meditation Diabetes management Clinical research Stress reduction |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions may reduce psychological distress and modestly improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is too uncertain to support clinical recommendations. |
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can lead to macro- and microvascular complications. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may improve metabolic and psychological health in individuals with T2DM. We aimed to assess the efficacy of MBIs for management of T2DM. We searched five databases and two trial registries using a comprehensive search strategy developed by a multidisciplinary team including an information scientist. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating MBIs for important clinical outcomes including psychological outcomes, quality of life, glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with T2DM. Where possible, random effects meta-analyses were conducted. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess certainty of the evidence. We included 31 RCTs (2337 participants: 1107 intervention, 1230 control). We found very low certainty evidence that MBIs may reduce stress (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.01, confidence interval (CI) -1.91 to -0.20, 8 trials, n = 528), depression (SMD -1.26, CI -2.08 to -0.43; 7 trials, n = 570) and anxiety (SMD -0.67, CI -1.27 to -0.08; 4 studies, n = 255) at end of treatment compared to waitlist control/usual care. MBIs may have a small effect on HbA1c and systolic/diastolic blood pressure at end of treatment compared to waitlist control/usual care (HbA1c mean difference (MD) -0.44, 95 % CI -0.71 to -0.17, 9 trials, n = 734; low certainty evidence). There was very low certainty evidence that MBIs + lifestyle may have no effect on HbA1c or body weight compared to lifestyle alone. MBIs may have clinical benefits (particularly psychological) for adults with T2DM, but lack of certainty in the evidence precludes clinical recommendations. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014881.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychological outcomes and HbA1C in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice May 1, 2026
- Integrating psychological support into gestational diabetes self-management: Development of a user-centred digital mindfulness programme. Women's Health 2026
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program to Improve Well-Being and Health in Healthcare Professionals. Journal of Clinical Medicine October 28, 2025
Cites 20
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
and 15 more in the library